Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

With a simple cheese sauce (no standing and stirring over the stove here!), a solid dose of veggies, and a super creamy final result, this healthy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a fast weeknight lunch or dinner option for toddlers. (And the rest of the family too!)

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

By adding the cauliflower right to the cheese sauce, we’re able to tuck a veggie right into the sauce without having to make a side dish to go with dinner. And while I’m not a huge fan of sneaking veggies into the food that our kids eat, I love using cauliflower in the cheese sauce since it acts as a thickener without the need to use a flour-based roux…which can be tricky to make with a little one underfoot!

TIP: You don’t need to stir the cheese sauce together on the stovetop—it simply mixes up in a blender!

Ingredients in Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

To make this recipe you’ll need:

• pasta (any kind you prefer)
• cauliflower
• cheddar cheese
• milk
• butter
• pinch of garlic powder (optional)

TIP: I usually buy blocks of cheese and grate the cheese since it tends to be less expensive, but you can use purchased grated cheese if you prefer. It’s certainly easier that way!

How to Make Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Step-by-Step

Here’s a look at the process involved in how to make this quick Cauliflower Mac and Cheese recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of the recipe to see the full details.

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook until soft.
2. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cauliflower and add to a blender.
3. Add the milk, cheese, butter, salt, and garlic powder. Blend until smooth.
4. Meanwhile, add the pasta to the boiling water from Step 1 and cook according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot.
5. Stir the cheese sauce into the pasta and serve warm.

TIP: You can trade in butternut squash for the cauliflower if you prefer.

Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?

If you want to make this Cauliflower Mac and Cheese ahead, I’d recommend making the cheese sauce and storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook the pasta. You can make it up to 3 days ahead of time if you store it in an airtight container. Warm the sauce for 15-30 seconds in the microwave and stir into the cooked and drained  warmed pasta.

What kind of pasta is best for this healthy Mac and Cheese?

You can use whichever pasta you want! We like star pasta, alphabet pasta, elbows, and any other smaller shape of pasta in this easy toddler dinner. And you can use gluten-free pasta, a bean pasta, or regular pasta—they’re all good for this recipe.

Tips for Making the Best Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

• Use whichever kind of pasta your family likes best.
• I usually buy blocks of cheese and grate the cheese since it tends to be less expensive, but you can use purchased grated cheese if you prefer.
• Omit the garlic powder if you’re at all worried that the kids may not like it.
• You can make it up to 3 days ahead of time if you store it in an airtight container.
• Stir the sauce into the pasta right before serving.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Warm for 30-60 seconds in the microwave to serve.

I’d love to hear your feedback if you make this recipe, so please comment below! I love hearing from you and appreciate all comments and ratings so much.

5-Ingredient Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

★★★★★ 5 from 3 reviews

• Author: Amy Palanjian
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 20
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Use yellow or white cheese according to your child’s color expectations!

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Ingredients

• 1 small head cauliflower, stem discarded and chopped into small pieces (about 4 cups)
• 2/3 cup milk. warmed slightly
• 1 pound elbow or other mini pasta shape
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, optional
• pinch garlic powder, optional

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until soft when poked with a fork.
2. Use a fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon to remove the cauliflower and add to a blender. Add the milk, cheese, butter, salt, and garlic powder if using. Blend until smooth.
3. Meanwhile, add the pasta to the boiling water from Step 1 and cook according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot.
4. Stir the cheese sauce into the pasta and serve warm.

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Notes

You can make the cheese sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container. Warm for 15-30 seconds in the microwave before stirring into the pasta.

Use whichever kind of pasta your family likes best.

I usually buy blocks of cheese and grate the cheese since it tends to be less expensive, but you can use purchased grated cheese if you prefer.

Omit the garlic powder if you’re at all worried that the kids may not like it.

Stir the sauce into the pasta right before serving.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Warm for 30-60 seconds in the microwave to serve.

3379.9 g338.7 mg8.7 g4.7 g51.9 g2.3 g11.8 g22 mg

Filder Under:Dinner, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Lunch, Nut-Free, Recipes, Vegetarian